Unit 3
Components of a moral choice
3
How many components are involved in a moral choice?
Action/Object
The Doer, Done, Doee
Intention
The "why" of the action
Circumstance
the time, the place, the occasion of an action
Requirements for an act to be moral
Must be a conscious act that proceeds from knowledge and free will
Intrinsic
in itself"/"innate
Intrinsic good
Something that is good in itself
Intrinsic evil
Something that is evil in itself
Example of Intrinsic evil
Stealing
Example of Intrinsic evil
Lying
Principle of double effect
Occurs when one is choosing to do something good, but at the same time an unintended evil result will occur.
Example of double effect
Pregnant woman has cancer and must choose between chemo or saving the baby
Requirement for double effect
Object/Action must be good
Requirement for double effect
Intention must be good (the bad result is not intended).
Requirement for double effect
No other choice
Requirement for double effect
The good effect must outweigh the bad effect
Two ways of cooperating with evil
Formal and material
Formal cooperation
Cooperating with evil with the intent of the evil being performed
Material cooperation
Cooperating with evil without the intent of the evil being performed
Relativism
The concept that points of view have no absolute truth or validity within themselves
Psychological argument for Relativism
Objective morality produces feelings of guilt which is harmful for me. Therefore I should create my own law.
Psychological argument against Relativism
Feelings of guilt can be of aid to us. Guilt, like pain, is a roadmap
Freedom argument for Relativism
I want to be free, so I must create my own moral system
Freedom argument against Relativism
Opposing moral systems do not create a situation of freedom for individuals but one of chaos.
Situational Ethics
States that decision-making should be based upon the circumstances of a particular situation, and not upon fixed law.
Proportionalism
Actions are moral if some truly proportionate reason is present to justify this choice
Consequentialism
Whether an act is morally right depends only on consequences (as opposed to the intrinsic nature of the act/object or the circumstances)
Utilitarianism
One ought to act so that the consequences of one's act will produce the greatest possible total welfare across all members of the population.